Etihad Airways launches new ambulance service for employees

An ambulance service for Etihad Airways began operations in Abu Dhabi today, as part of the airline’s commitment to provide world-class medical emergency response for its employees.

Based at the Etihad Airways
Medical Centre in Etihad Plaza, the high-tech ambulance provides a 24/7
emergency medical service for the airline’s employees in the capital city. From
today, employees can dial a special emergency number to call the ambulance.

Operated by Abu Dhabi’s National Ambulance, the service is staffed by professionally
trained and experienced emergency medical technicians (EMT).

National Ambulance is accredited by the Joint Commission International
(JCI), is fully licensed by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi and has also
attained ISO standards accreditations of 9001, 14001 and OHSAS 18001.

Ray Gammell, Etihad Airways’
Chief People and Performance Officer, said: “The launch of this unique service is part
of our expanding employee healthcare program, aimed at providing our employees
with the right care at the right time.

“The new ambulance joins a range of best-in-class
services for our employees, which support their health and wellbeing, and
include fitness programs, family visa application assistance, children’s
education assistance and an on-site nursery.

“We take our duty of care very seriously. This service
reinforces Etihad Airways as an employer of choice and reflects our commitment
to the ongoing wellbeing of our employees.”

The ambulance is fitted with modern medical emergency equipment and
supplies including heart defibrillators, oxygen cylinders, intravenous drips,
spinal and traction splints, foldable stretchers and medicines.

Dr Nadia Bastaki, Etihad Airways’ Vice President of
Medical Services, said: “In a medical emergency, we recognise the importance of
providing a rapid response. Treatment starts as soon as the patient is onboard
the ambulance and continues on the journey to the hospital.

“Our number one priority is to provide an optimal level
of care for an employee needing emergency support, which our EMTs are fully trained to deliver.”

The Centre, regulated by HAAD and the UAE General Civil Aviation
Authority (GCAA), is recognised as one the leading aero-medical centres in the
UAE and was awarded the ‘Clinic of the Year 2013’ by GCAA last year. The
Medical Centre has successfully run numerous health awareness campaigns for
Etihad Airways’ employees and their dependents.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Ameri, Chairman of the Board of
National Ambulance, said: “This partnership highlights the ambition of both
organisations to provide Etihad Airways’ employees with the best pre-hospital
care.”

Robert Ball, National Ambulance CEO, added: “We are
privileged to provide our services to Etihad Airways and believe our dedicated
and highly capable team with vast experience in rapid emergency response will
greatly benefit Etihad Airways.”

The National
Ambulance Company is a semi-government organisation with an Australian
strategic partner, Aspen Medical, and is the leading national provider of
pre-hospital care in the UAE.

CAE
will deliver Etihad Airways’ first Boeing 787 Simulator and Integrated
Procedure Trainer next month, followed by an additional trainer and two simulators
between 2017 and 2019.

A series of test flights will also be conducted with
Etihad Airways’ first Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9 prior to their entry into
service. The aircraft will be flown around Gulf airspace, with cabin crew also
onboard to familiarise
themselves with the layout and conduct test meal services.